Yahoo has introduced “High Score” as its new default format for fantasy basketball, and having a solid in-season strategy is just as important as your draft. This guide will walk you through key tips for managing your roster and making smart decisions all season long.
The main idea behind High Score is simple: each week, the system automatically counts the scores from your best-performing players to give you a total. Your job is to build a roster with the highest scoring potential.
📝 Know the Rules: Scoring and Lineups
Before diving into strategy, it’s important to understand the basics. In the High Score format, points are awarded for stats like points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Your weekly lineup consists of ten starting spots (one for each position: PG, SG, G, SF, PF, F, and four flexible Utility spots) and four bench spots. The system automatically selects the highest scores from your eligible players, so you don’t have to worry about setting a daily lineup.
💡 Smart Ways to Manage Your Roster
With only four bench spots, every player on your roster counts. Use these limited spots to hold players who are flexible or have high potential. Don’t forget to use your injured list (IL) spots wisely. Placing an injured player on the IL opens up a roster spot, allowing you to pick up a healthy player from the free agent pool. This flexibility can be a huge advantage during the long season.
🎯 Choosing the Right Players for Your Team
In this format, players who can have huge scoring nights, even if they are inconsistent, are very valuable. These “boom-or-bust” players can win you a week with a single big performance. Prioritize players who get a lot of playing time and opportunities to score, as volume is key. A player who takes many shots or handles the ball a lot has a higher chance of putting up big fantasy numbers.
🗓️ Use the Game Schedule to Your Advantage
Pay close attention to the NBA schedule. Teams often have weeks with more games than others. You can gain an edge by picking up players who have a busy schedule for the upcoming week. More games mean more opportunities for them to score points for your team. This strategy, often called “streaming,” is especially effective for filling your flexible utility spots.
